Two Malaysian restaurants have been named on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' extended 51-100 list, which was announced earlier today (March 12).
Kuala Lumpur fine dining establishment Dewakan came in at No. 62, while Penang eatery Gen makes its return to the list at No. 89.
This year's 51-100 list spans 27 cities – four more than last year – with 10 new cities represented in 2026. Of these, four are appearing on the list for the first time ever: Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa and Nishikawa.
12 restaurants also made their debut on the 51-100 list.
Dewakan's No. 62 placing makes it the highest riser on the 51-100 list, climbing 22 places from its previous ranking of 84.
The restaurant has been a mainstay on the list since 2019, and has broken into the Top 50 twice before in 2019 (at No.46) and 2022 (No.50).
Helmed by acclaimed chef Darren Teoh, Dewakan is known for championing and utilising local ingredients in its menus.
It is also Malaysia's only restaurant with two Michelin Stars, having been awarded the accord in last year's Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2023.
Re-entering the list at No. 89,. Penang eatery Gen is chef Johnson Wong’s love letter to Malaysia and his adopted home state.
He opened Gen in 2018 and has been a critical figure in expounding the virtues of Penang and Malaysian produce. The restaurant's philosophy revolves around an “ingredient-first” ethos – specifically Malaysian ingredients.
The extended list is voted for by the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of 350-plus influential industry leaders including restaurateurs, chefs, culinary professionals, food writers and critics from across the region.
